Modern mobile communications is rapidly evolving, and standard voice calls are gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to better sound technologies. For owners of popular Xiaomi smartphones, in particular the Redmi Note 8, the issue of activating the VoLTE function (Voice over LTE) is becoming increasingly urgent, due to the fact that operators everywhere are implementing new standards, and the old 2G and 3G frequencies are gradually being decommissioned or overloaded with traffic.
Activating this option on your device allows you to make calls directly through the fourth generation network, which provides crystal clear sound and instant connection. You no longer have to wait for the network to switch during an incoming call, and the Internet connection will remain active and high-speed even when you talk. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of setting up your gadget.
It's worth noting that the on-boarding process can vary depending on the version of the MIUI firmware and the region for which the device is released. Sometimes a standard switch may not appear on the menu, which will require interference with hidden system settings. Let's look at the main benefits that you will get after successfully activating the service on your gadget.
- 📞 Significantly improved voice quality thanks to sound transmission in format HD compressively.
- ⚡ Instant connection – the subscriber hears the beeps almost immediately after pressing the call button.
- 🌐 Simultaneous work 4G Internet and voice communication without falling speed 3G or.
What is VoLTE Technology and Why is it Needed?
VoLTE technology is a standard for transmitting voice traffic over networks LTE, This is a very different kind of call, which was used for packet-only data, unlike traditional calls, where voice is converted into an analog signal or transmitted through channels. 2G/3G, used here IP-This allows voice to be transmitted like a normal data stream, but with high priority, which guarantees the stability of the connection.
For Redmi Note 8 users, this means that the smartphone will not waste battery life constantly searching and switching between networks of different generations. Energy consumption is reduced, as the communication module operates in the same frequency range. In addition, the sound quality becomes comparable to the conversation through messengers, but without delays and compression artifacts.
⚠️ Attention: The technology requires support from your carrier and the availability of a SIM card. 4G Activation of the function on the phone will not give results.
It is important to understand that not all carriers provide this service free of charge or automatically, some require you to add an option or change your SIM card to a new, USIM-supporting standard.
Checking the compatibility of the operator and SIM card
Before you go into smartphone settings, make sure your infrastructure is ready to work with the new standards. The first step is to check the coverage of your 4G network in your area. Even if there are towers in the city, there may be no signal in specific buildings or basements, which will make it impossible to use HD Voice.
The second important point is a physical SIM card: Older cards released several years ago may not have the necessary storage or security protocol support to work on LTE networks. It is recommended to visit the operator's office and replace the SIM card with a new one if you use the old one for more than 3-4 years.
It is also worth checking whether the service is blocked on the provider side. It often happens that in the settings of the user’s personal account there is a restriction on the use of voice calls via LTE. Make sure that your tariff plan does not contain hidden locks.
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Insert the SIM card in the first slot of the Redmi Note 8 smartphone, since in some versions of the firmware, the priority of 4G is given to the first connector.
Basic activation via the standard MIUI menu
In most cases, if the carrier supports the technology, the settings on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 are activated automatically after installing the SIM card. However, sometimes manual intervention is required. First, go to the basic settings of your device by finding the corresponding gear icon on the desktop.
Next, you'll need to find the mobile network section, and the path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but it's usually like this: Settings. → SIM-Select the SIM card you want to enable the feature for if you have two.
In the menu that opens, find a switch that says Use VoLTE or LTE Calls. If it is present and active, simply turn the switch to the "On" position. Then the status bar next to the network indicator should appear the corresponding label.
☑️ Checking basic settings
If the icon doesn't appear after the switch is turned on, try restarting the device. Often the system takes time to register with the network with new parameters. Also make sure that the network type selects the value Preferably 4G (LTE).
Using the Engineering Menu for Hidden Settings
In situations where the standard switch is missing or inactive, users often resort to using an engineering menu, a hidden part of the Android system designed for testing by developers, and on the Redmi Note 8, it is logged in through a set of special code in the Phone app.
Dial on the call keyboard the combination ##4636##. If the code is entered correctly, the "Verify" menu will open. Select Phone Information. Here are a lot of technical parameters, among which we are interested in setting up the preferred network type.
Find a drop-down list called "Install preferred network type." You need to select an option that contains VoLTE, such as LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA or a special item marked VoLTE. Once selected, the network may briefly disappear and recover with new parameters.
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose. Incorrect setting of the radio module can lead to complete loss of signal or unstable operation of the smartphone.
It is worth remembering that newer versions of MIUI often block access to this menu through codes, and if the code does not work, you will have to look for alternative ways to activate, for example, through third-party applications or changing the region.
What if the code doesn't work?
Change of region and additional activation methods
One of the most effective tricks for Xiaomi owners is to change the region in their system settings, and some features available in one region may be hidden in another due to local certification features or carrier partnerships.
To use this method, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Region. Change your current location to a country where 4G Voice technology is widely available, such as India, Indonesia or Singapore. Once you change region, the phone will reset your network settings.
Often, after this manipulation, a cherished switch appears in the SIM card menu. If it does, activate it and you can return the region back. The setting should be saved. There are specialized applications from the Google Play store that can activate hidden flags of the system.
| Activation method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard menu | Low. | High (if the operator has one) | Absent. |
| Engineering code | Medium | Medium (depending on the version of the software) | Minimum |
| Change of region | Low. | Tall. | Change in the list of applications |
| Third-party annexes | Tall. | Variable | Possible disruptions |
When using third-party utilities, be careful and only download them from trusted sources. Some programs require extended access rights, which can affect the security of your personal data.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even after completing all the instructions, you may find that the VoLTE icon never appeared, or the quality of communication has deteriorated. One common problem is the conflict of firmware versions. Global versions of MIUI often have reduced functionality compared to Chinese builds.
If the connection is interrupted or the voice becomes metal, try resetting the network settings. This won't delete your personal files, but will return all connection settings to factory values. Path to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
The problem can also be in the smartphone case itself, where if you use a metal or too thick protective case, it can shield the signal, causing the phone to convulsively switch between the towers, which interferes with the stable operation of LTE.
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If nothing helps, contact the operator’s cabin – it’s possible that your SIM card doesn’t physically support the new communication standards and needs to be replaced.
The impact of technology on autonomy and speed
Many users fear that a constant 4G network will quickly land the Redmi Note 8 battery. However, modern modems installed in the Snapdragon 665 processor are quite energy efficient. On the contrary, the lack of constant jumps between 3G and 4G can even extend the device’s standby time.
Network response speed also plays a role: When you call in through a normal channel, the phone spends time switching frequencies. In HD Voice, this process is eliminated, which makes using the smartphone more comfortable. The Internet channel remains open, allowing you to talk and navigate the map at the same time or send files.
However, in areas of uncertain 4G reception, the phone will spend more energy on maintaining communication with the base station. If you are in a place where only one stick catches the LTE network, it makes sense to temporarily switch to 3G mode to save charge.